The euphoria over Burma’s political opening was bound to end sooner or later. But most observers expected the government would be the one to renege on the fragile detente with Aung San Suu Kyi and the opposition. Instead the National League for Democracy has thrown a spanner in the works.

Ms. Suu Kyi and 42 of her colleagues won parliamentary by-elections on April 1, but Monday they refused to take the oath of office because it requires members to “safeguard the constitution.” They say they are only willing to swear to “respect” the constitution.

The government of President Thein Sein has given indications that it may compromise over this single word. Nevertheless, the affair is a worrying sign that the NLD lacks seriousness of purpose.

Standing on principle for the last two decades required immense courage and a certain amount of stubbornness, as Ms. Suu Kyi demonstrated by serving 15 years under house arrest. However, this year she chose to participate in government and her party won the trust of voters. She now has a responsibility to work within the system to achieve substantive reforms. Refusing to take the oath of office treads close to grandstanding.

It should be said that Ms. Suu Kyi’s criticism of the Burmese constitution is well-founded, as it was drafted under a military junta and forced through in a flawed referendum in 2008. She and her colleagues will chafe under its undemocratic provisions and no doubt look forward to the day when it can be amended. For the time being, however, the NLD’s representatives would gain more traction at home and abroad by using their parliamentary privileges to hold the government to its procedures. Adhering to the rule of law, even a flawed law, represents progress for Burma.

The NLD might also remember that there are elements within the government that would be all too happy to pocket the gains made from reform so far and go back to persecuting the opposition. The U.S. has suspended most sanctions and the European Union followed suit Monday. Japan forgave $3.7 billion in loans over the weekend. Braking the reform momentum will only give the government an excuse to focus on attracting foreign investment rather than the next step of political reform.

If the NLD plays its cards right, it could turn its presence in parliament into a bully pulpit to hold the government accountable and set the stage for capturing a more substantial block of seats in the next general election. But while it has such a tenuous minority, it can’t afford the politics of symbolic grand gestures.
Suu Kyi’s Oath
online.wsj.com
Burma’s opposition lacks seriousness of purpose, The Wall Street Journal writes in an editorial.

Share this:

Like this:

LikeLoading...

About nyuntshwe

A Myanmar, Buddhist, pacifist, and pragmatic person who believe that we are what we think. That leads him positive thinking and he sees the world a beautiful place, but he still likes to keep trying for a better and more beautiful world.